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Ataraxia

Over a year in the making, Ataraxia is Majestic’s latest masterpiece. Released in fall of 2010 by MALS Ltd., this CD differs from its predecessors with new dynamics and textures that will please even the most hardcore progressive rock fans

Genre: Rock: Progressive Rock

Release Date: 2010

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Majestic brings music that will certainly set you into an alpha-estate of mind.

The North American band Majestic is back to this webzine, this time to present their fourth album, “Ataraxia”. Majestic was founded in 2007 by guitarist Jeff Hamel, who played in various bands around Detroit from late 80’s to early 90’s. Because Hamel loved bands of the 70’s (mainly “Yes”, “Floyd”, “Genesis”, and “King Crimson”), he tried to capture their musical spirit on Majestic’s first album, “String Theory” (2008, Andromeda Records). Even before finishing the debut, Hamel was contacted by Russian Label MALS Ltd., which released Majestic’s album “Descension” (2008). The third album, “Arrival” (2009, MALS), had collaboration of Jessica Rasche (vocals) and Gregg Johns ("Slychosis" member and Hamel‘s partner on the “Proximal Distance Project”); and was featured at this webzine as “Best Release of September-2009”. Majestic’s fourth album, “Ataraxia” (2010, MALS), has collaboration of Jessica, Johns, and also of Jerry Swan (bass) and drummers Chris Nathe and John Wooten. In spite of being inspired by bands of the seventies (“Yes”, “Genesis”, “King Crimson”, “Deep Purple”, and “Camel”), the music of Majestic has a sonority that approaches modern bands like “Porcupine Tree”, “Ayreon”, “The Gathering”, “Arena”, “Star One”, “Magenta”, “Dream Theater”, “Jupiter Society”, “Slychosis”, “White Willow“, “Sylvan”, “Riverside”, and “Nemezis”. Compositions in general have a transmuting attribute, alternating from Neo-Prog and Space-Rock to Heavy-Prog and Prog-Metal, bringing atmospheric moments inserted within the frame. Some songs are long and completely instrumental, having symphonic arrangements made of multiple layers and textures of keyboards (reminiscent of Classic Prog bands like “Camel” and “Genesis”), all combined with long and elaborated guitar solos that sound either soaring and psychedelic, or neo-progressive (like “Floyd”, “Porcupine Tree”, “Ayreon”). The heaviest moments are reminiscent of bands like “Porcupine Tree”, “King Crimson” and “Star One”. Jessica’s vocals have a peculiar intonation that reminds me of “Anneke van Giersbergen” (“The Gathering”, “Agua de Annique”), and “Christina Booth” (“Magenta”). “Ataraxia” has 11 tracks. The softness of the introductory song “Disarray“ (with piano and vocals) strongly contrasts with the heaviness of “Faceless“ – a Prog-Metal piece that initially brings massive attack of guitars supported by gritty keyboards that remind me of early days of “Porcupine Tree”, and later, of “Jupiter Society”. The song slows down near the last third, when vocals finally enter. “Wither“ and “Numb“ are much more atmospheric. “Wither” (9 min) sounds like a crossover of “Porcupine Tree” and “The Gathering” (mainly because of the vocals), and flows slowly over an oriental-sounding background surrounded by Stravinsky-like symphonic arrangements, having an extended instrumental section with guitars and keyboards in “Crimson-Floyd” style. “Numb“ is dreamy, supported by string arrangements, and reminds me of “Agua de Annique”. A high degree of Progressiveness is present on the outstanding instrumental compositions “Astral Dream“ and “Dance of the Elders“. “Astral Dream“ (7min) is arranged like a cosmic Bolero, following a “King Crimson” kind of guitar, and gradually grows from a Space-Rock to a Heavy-Prog (like a blend of “Ayreon” and “Porcupine Tree”). The amazing “Dance of the Elders“ (8 min) is structured on an Electronic-Psychedelic frame supported by pulsing bass and synthesizers that keep a steady pace from the beginning to the end. Intense instrumental interplay is present, including keyboard melodies, soaring “Floydian”-guitars, violins, and sparse heavy guitar riffs in the style of “Porcupine Tree” and “Crimson”, with epic final chorus. But the musical climax of “Ataraxia” is reached on the gigantic tracks “Takes My Breath Away“ (c. 14:00) and “Altered State“ (c. 9:00). The first piece begins slowly, with sad vocals and soft flute-like sounds. The arrangements become more symphonic at the middle. Vocals reappear at the last third of the song, which is dominated by “Floydian” guitars and melodic keyboards like “Genesis” and “Camel”. The second piece inserts Heavy-Prog guitar riffing in a “Floydian” mood, with atmospheric vocals like (again, like “Porcupine Tree” and “The Gathering”). The short songs “Star Bound“ and “Delusion“ combine Techno-Prog coolness with Neo-Prog vibes, and will appeal to fans of recent works of “Porcupine Tree” and “Magenta”. The closing track “Reflections“ sounds rather like a bonus-track, for it does not fit into the concept of the album. It is an acoustic Prog-ballad featuring both male and female vocals. With this excellent “Ataraxia”, Majestic gives another step towards the solidification of their sonority and own style, something that might be farther developed on their newest release of 2011 (“Labyrinth”) that I hope to listen to soon. Majestic is highly recommended for fans of Heavy-Prog, Hard Neo-Prog and Prog-Metal that like non-operatic female vocals. Band members and collaborators involved in Majestic are: Jeff Hamel – Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Vocals; Jessica Rasche – Lead Vocals; Chris Nathe – Drums. Special guests: Jerry Swan – Bass (“Numb”); John Wooten - Drums (“Astral Dream”, “Dance of the Elders”); Gregg Johns – Guitars, Talkbox (“Altered State”); Jeremy Hamel – Acoustic Guitar (“Reflexions”)...

Of course I'm biased because I appear for a brief part during Altered State, but this is an AWESOME cd in its own "right! Jeff and Jessica intertwine some really cool combinations of melody and riff. It is captivating from beginning to end. On my IPod regular playlist and it should be part of yours if you love psychedelic and progressive music. Check it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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